Millions of low‑income households can stretch their grocery dollars this June, July, and August thanks to higher SNAP allotments and the return of SUN Bucks. Together, the programs may deliver as much as $656 to a family of two—and even more to larger households—right when kids are home and food bills spike. The USDA now sets … Read more
New projections show the program could pay only 78 percent of promised benefits within nine years—leaving millions to fill a painful income gap. The Social Security Board of Trustees’ 2025 report lands like a thunderclap: by 2034, the combined Old‑Age and Disability Insurance trust funds will hit zero. After that, incoming payroll taxes would cover roughly … Read more
Rising living costs make missed student‑loan payments riskier than ever, and the government can now dock up to 15 percent of your take‑home pay without a court hearing. What can borrowers do to stay solvent? If you fall behind on federal student loans, the Department of Education can launch Administrative Wage Garnishment (AWG) after giving just … Read more
Checks are already on the way, giving Georgians a welcome cushion against rising prices. Roughly 4.4 million Georgia taxpayers will soon see a little extra in their wallets. A fresh round of one‑time rebates—signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp on April 15—funnels part of the state’s historic $16.5 billion surplus straight to the households that generated it. If … Read more
Millions of retirees may see only a slight bump in monthly checks next year, and some advocates warn it still won’t keep pace with rising prices. A preliminary forecast from The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) pegs the 2026 cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) at 2.5 percent, nudging up from last month’s 2.4 percent outlook. If the projection holds, the … Read more
Splitting up changes more than your relationship status—it can change your bottom line at tax time. Here’s how the IRS says you can avoid costly surprises. The Internal Revenue Service is reminding newly separated or soon‑to‑be‑single filers that a summer divorce will shape every line of the next Form 1040. From choosing the right filing status … Read more
Direct‐deposit alert for millions of Supplemental Security Income recipients next month. Millions of older adults, people with disabilities and low‑income Americans depend on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to keep the lights on and the fridge stocked. Next month’s payment date matters—and it’s straightforward once you know the rule. July’s SSI benefit, worth up to $967, will … Read more
New analysis shows delaying benefits boosts lifetime income for many Americans, but timing still hinges on individual health and finances. Millions of retirees rely on Social Security as their financial backbone, so choosing when to claim matters. The Social Security Administration (SSA) lets workers start at 62, yet every year of patience up to age 70 … Read more
After years of reduced benefits, teachers, police officers, and other public servants will once again receive their complete Social Security payments thanks to the Social Security Fairness Act signed in January. The measure reverses prior offsets that slashed—or even erased—retirement checks for workers who also earned a government pension. Beginning this summer, retroactive payments dating … Read more
Millions of Americans could see their retirement budgets swell next year after the Social Security Administration confirmed that qualifying spouses—and even former spouses—may receive up to 50 percent of their partner’s full‑retirement‑age benefit. The 50 percent ceiling is not new, but the agency’s fresh guidance clarifies deadlines and age rules for the 2025 benefit cycle, giving couples … Read more
SSA tightens verification rules after fraud surge; retirees, SSI, and SSDI recipients urged to gather original documents now The Social Security Administration (SSA) will require most beneficiaries to show up at a local office for identity verification starting this June. The change affects more than 68 million Americans and could briefly stall monthly payments if paperwork … Read more
Two very different state programs promise extra cash before December 31—but only if you tick the right boxes. Millions of households in Alaska and California may soon see welcome relief as both states roll out targeted stimulus checks in 2025. While the federal government is still debating broader aid, these state‑level payments are already scheduled, … Read more
After a flurry of legislation and inflation tweaks, millions of Americans must rethink their claiming strategy this year. Social Security is changing faster than many seniors expected. From heftier monthly checks to the rollback of two controversial offsets, 2025 is rewriting the rulebook and, perhaps, retirement timelines. Here’s what matters most—without the jargon. Cost‑of‑living (COLA) … Read more
Taxpayers who brush off a last‑chance bill from the Internal Revenue Service risk seeing their house auctioned to cover overdue balances. The IRS is turning up the heat on chronic tax debtors. Under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), the agency can attach a lien, seize real estate and sell it—sometimes within weeks—if required steps go … Read more
Thousands of Americans living on modest Social Security payments can unlock a larger monthly benefit by taking three often‑overlooked steps, according to fresh guidance from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Retirees with earnings histories below the national average may feel locked into a “fixed‑income” life. However, the SSA has highlighted little‑known options—ranging from tapping a … Read more
Delaying benefits can mean an extra four‑figure boost every month for future retirees. Choosing when to claim Social Security may be the biggest paycheck decision you ever make. Older Americans who hold off until 70 are now seeing the largest monthly benefit in program history, and the numbers might surprise you. Waiting sounds simple, but … Read more
Checks tied to a $2.67 billion antitrust deal are finally landing in mailboxes—are you on the list? Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) policyholders who filed a claim by November 5, 2021 are seeing an average $333 payout, closing a lawsuit that accused the insurer of squeezing competition and inflating premiums. After years of appeals, the first wave of checks … Read more
Thinking of retiring overseas? The Social Security Administration (SSA) will still direct‑deposit your monthly benefit in many countries, but only if you meet a few non‑negotiable requirements. America’s retirees, disabled workers, and surviving family members receive more than income—they get peace of mind. But what happens when that peace of mind packs a suitcase? In … Read more
Good news for high earners who delayed claiming their benefits: the Social Security Administration (SSA) has reconfirmed that the maximum monthly retirement check remains $5,108 for June 2025. Even so, only a fraction of retirees will ever see that figure land in their bank account. Curious whether you’re among them? Read on for the key … Read more
Millions of SSDI recipients face periodic medical reviews—understanding the rules can keep those monthly checks coming. The Social Security Administration (SSA) regularly double‑checks every disability case to be sure benefits still match current medical realities. These reviews sound daunting, but knowing the schedule, paperwork and appeal rights turns anxiety into simple planning. SSDI is meant … Read more